This Dutch-styled port scene complements two other Dutch river views bequeathed from the same collection. Painted loosely in the manner of Jan van Goyen, it focuses on the activity surrounding a variety of boats, all flying Dutch flags. Jutting above the horizon from the town opposite are the sails of a windmill and a distinctively shaped church spire, verifying further the Dutch character of the scene. The river and canalscapes of influential seventeenth-century Dutch landscapists such as Van Goyen had ensured the popularity of such works for generations to come. This one, for example, probably dates from the late eighteenth century.

The house Round Coppice was purchased in 1787 by Carrier Tompson (the donor's great-grandfather). His heirs were Edward Tompson (grandfather), Edward Carrier Smith Tompson (d. 1906?, father), Ronald Fawcett Carrier Tompson (d.1916, brother) and Frances Rosa Tompson (mother). It is unknown who was responsible for acquiring the paintings left in Miss Tompson's bequest.